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Lesson Summary:

God presents His case against the people of Israel for forsaking Him.

Focus Passage: Hosea 4.

Outline and Lesson Goal

Principles and Applications

I. The Opening Argument (Hosea 4:1-3)

Principle: Without the knowledge of God, people are destined for destruction.
Application: How has the lack of knowledge of God affected your life?
Scripture Reference

21 For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened.
22 Professing to be wise, they became fools,
Romans 1:21-22 (NASB)

II. The Case Against the Priests (Hosea 4:4-10)

Principle: When God’s Leaders fail, His People fail.
Application: How are you failing to lead those you shepherd in the knowledge of the Lord?
Scripture Reference

2 shepherd the flock of God among you, exercising oversight not under compulsion, but voluntarily, according to the will of God; and not for sordid gain, but with eagerness;
3 nor yet as lording it over those allotted to your charge, but proving to be examples to the flock.
I Peter 5:2-3 (NASB)

III. The Case Against the People (Hosea 4:11-14)

Principle: When God’s People abandon Him, the result is complete ruin.
Application: Where in your life have you abandoned the Lord?
Scripture Reference

28 Since they thought it foolish to acknowledge God, he abandoned them to their foolish thinking and let them do things that should never be done.
29 Their lives became full of every kind of wickedness, sin, greed, hate, envy, murder, quarreling, deception, malicious behavior, and gossip.
Romans 1:28-29 (NLT)

IV. The Verdict (Hosea 4:15-19)

Principle: God will Judge Sinners.
Application: How has God disciplined you for your lack of faithfulness to Him?
Scripture Reference

17 For the time has come for judgment, and it must begin with God’s household. And if judgment begins with us, what terrible fate awaits those who have never obeyed God’s Good News?
18 And also, “If the righteous are barely saved, what will happen to godless sinners?”
I Peter 4:17-18 (NLT)